Why is it that Peace Officers can not see the Security Officers as a reliable resource in Community Policing?

Answer 1

As a 17 year veteran of the Security Business, I believe they feel threatened by us in that here are a bunch of untrained louts (which may have been true long ago) acting as Cop-wannabes. Police have a tendency to be a rather exclusive group, and they don't like any competition, and feel that they are the only ones to do the job of protecting the public and acting as a uniformed visible deterrence to crime. The difference is that we (Security Officers) protect private property, and the Police protect the public and public property. True, we don't take as extensive training as they do, and the reality is that some Provinces and States don't require any training at all. I live in British Columbia, Canada, and our initial and ongoing training is more extensive than most other Provinces. We don't carry any weapons, handcuffs or restraining devices, no pepper spray or taser devices and we don't wear any body armour, but are often expected to approach and restrain (until the Police arrive which could be 15 to 30 minutes where I am) the same dangerous criminals that the Police deal with, and they have all of the above equipment, including firearms, to protect themselves. I have been attacked by both unarmed and knife wielding assailants and luckily due to my extensive hand-to-hand combat training I have survived said assaults. So ultimately, I think it is jealousy and a "Good Ole' Boys" mentality that drives this attitude, and I mean no disrespect as I have a lot of respect for the Police and they do have to put up with some pretty horrific situations, that clearly has an effect on how they see the world around them. Not all Police officer think this way however and I have been at times both glad and disappointed at their response to our work. Chin up and be proud of what you do as we do provide a valuable service, and were created to fill a hole the Police were unable to as the crime rates increased and property crime was something they were no longer able to effectively deal with these crimes. Our Motto is "People, Property and Information" are the things we protect in that order without exception. Be Careful out there OK !!!!

Answer 2

That is a complex question and I'm not sure if I agree with your assessment. Security officers do not go through the same or as extensive training that a sworn peace officer does, but that doesn't mean that the peace officer doesn't see them as a valuable resource. Security companies develop a reputation with the law enforcement officers in their community, learning which security officers are reliable sources. Security officers act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement, and some crimes would go unsolved if it wasn't for a security officers intervention. There are a few security officers out there who think they are cops, but I think overall that is the exception to the norm. The quality of the security officer can vary due to hiring and screening practices, but I feel they are an important tool for law enforcement in general.

Answer 3

Peace Officers receive more training than Security Officers! Peace Officers are trained to protect the community---Security Officers protect a place or property!

Answer 4

I have to disagree with you on your question, I have been a Police Officer for three years and I personally see Security Officers as valuable resource in the criminal justice system. Security Officers are the eyes and ears and in most cases make the best reporting party's when it comes to reporting crimes.

Answer 5

Because of the limited training of a security officer, the limited authority of a security officer, and the lower standards of employment for many security officers.

Answer 6

Security officers are not reliable for community policing as herman goldstein vision of what is community policing. security officers are private and are only concern for what they are reliable for.

Answer 7

the important large difference has to do with corporation (a minimum of in ny State). regulation enforcement officials in ny State are oftentimes police officials if employed by ability of a city, city, village, or different municipality, and state infantrymen (which includes police for SUNY, yet no longer CUNY, faculties), and peace officer if employed by ability of a public authority, the state, except for State infantrymen (which includes college Police), or a private corporation who has registered as a regulation enforcement corporation (i.e., Co-Op city Public protection, CSX, Norfolk Southern, etc). In ny city, i visit imagine of a minimum of three aspects the position there are inner most regulation enforcement agencies (a minimum of): Co-Op city in the Bronx, and Sea Gate and Spring Creek Towers in Brooklyn (I stay in the perfect area). those are examples of peace officials. different examples of peace officials are Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police, ny Racing association peace officials, Tax branch enforcement, etc. desire this facilitates.